CN108874210B

CN108874210B - Touch sensor and display device including the same

Info

Publication number: CN108874210B
Application number: CN201810455871.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金道益; 金佳英; 林相铉; 金英植; 李相哲; 丁焕熹
Original assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-15
Filing date: 2018-05-14
Publication date: 2021-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-14
Also published as: US20200363893A1; US20220155895A1; CN113064521A; CN113064520A; CN108874210A; KR101932650B1; US10732746B2; KR20180125672A; EP3407170A1; US20230325019A1; US11182005B2; US20180329555A1; CN113064523B; CN113064519A; US11714503B2; CN113064522A; CN113064523A

Abstract

Provided are a touch sensor and a display device including the same. The touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a sensing channel. The first electrode includes first electrode cells arranged in a first direction, a first connection part connecting the first electrode cells in the first direction, and a first opening provided in at least one of the first electrode cells. The second electrode includes an electrode portion disposed in the first opening. The electrode portion is disposed on the same layer as the first electrode unit and is separated from the first electrode. The sense channel includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the first electrode. The second terminal is connected to the second electrode.

Description

Touch sensor and display device including the same

This application claims priority and benefit from korean patent application No. 10-2017-0060138, filed on 15/5/2017, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments relate to a touch sensor and a display device including the same.

Background

The touch sensor is an information input device, and may be used for a display apparatus. For example, the touch sensor may be attached to one side of the display panel or may be manufactured integrally with the display panel. The user can input information by pressing or touching the touch sensor while viewing an image displayed on the screen of the display device.

The above information disclosed in this section is only for background understanding of the inventive concept and, therefore, may contain information that does not constitute prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Exemplary embodiments provide a high-sensitivity touch sensor and a display device including the same.

Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a sensing channel. The first electrode includes first electrode cells arranged in a first direction, a first connection part connecting the first electrode cells in the first direction, and a first opening provided in at least one of the first electrode cells. The second electrode includes an electrode portion disposed in the first opening. The electrode portion is disposed on the same layer as the first electrode unit and is separated from the first electrode. The sense channel includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to the first electrode. The second terminal is connected to the second electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings; the electrode portion may be one of a plurality of electrode portions; each of the first electrode cells may include a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings; the second electrode may include a plurality of electrode portions disposed in the plurality of first openings and a connection pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in the first direction.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings may overlap with a corresponding electrode part of the plurality of electrode parts and a region of the connection pattern connected to the corresponding electrode part.

In some exemplary embodiments, regions of the connection patterns overlapping corresponding ones of the first electrode cells and the first electrode cells may be disposed in different layers, and the insulating layer may be disposed between the different layers.

In some exemplary embodiments, another region of the connection pattern may be disposed in the corresponding first opening in which the corresponding first electrode cell is disposed. The corresponding first opening may be provided in any one of the first electrode cells. The other region may be integrally connected to the corresponding first electrode cell.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first electrode cells may include fine lines crossing the corresponding first opening. The second electrode may include: sub-electrode portions provided in regions between the fine lines and separated from the fine lines, the sub-electrode portions configuring each electrode portion of the plurality of electrode portions; and sub-electrode lines provided in a different layer from the sub-electrode portions such that the sub-electrode lines are separated from the sub-electrode portions via an insulating layer, the sub-electrode lines electrically connecting the sub-electrode portions to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, among the first electrode cells arranged in the first direction, only the first electrode cell disposed at one end may include the first opening, or the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings, and among the first electrode cells arranged in the first direction, only each of two first electrode cells disposed at different ends may include a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings. The electrode portion may overlap the first opening, or may overlap the plurality of first openings.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode and a driving circuit configured to supply a driving signal to the third electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the third electrode may include a second opening.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a fourth electrode disposed in the second opening and separated from the third electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include: a plurality of first electrodes including the first electrode; a plurality of second electrodes including the second electrode; a plurality of sensing channels including the sensing channel; and a processor configured to receive output signals from the plurality of sensing channels and detect a touch input based on the output signals. The first terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels may be connected to a corresponding first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes. The second terminal of each of the plurality of sense channels may be connected to a corresponding second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes. Each of the plurality of sense channels is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a wiring commonly connected to one end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include another wiring commonly connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first opening may be one of a plurality of first openings. The first connection portion may be one of a plurality of first connection portions. Each of the plurality of first electrodes may include: first electrode cells, each of the first electrode cells including a corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings; and a corresponding first connection portion of the plurality of first connection portions. Each of the plurality of second electrodes may overlap with a corresponding first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes. Each of the plurality of second electrodes may include: electrode portions, each of which may overlap a corresponding one of the plurality of first openings in a corresponding one of the first electrodes; and a connection pattern connecting the electrode parts in the first direction. The touch sensor may further include a cross-connection wiring extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The cross-connection wiring may cross the second electrode and connect the second electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings may overlap with a corresponding electrode part of the electrode parts, a region of the connection pattern connected to the corresponding electrode part, and a region of the cross-connection wiring.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include an amplifying circuit connected between the plurality of second electrodes and the second terminals of the plurality of sensing channels. The amplifying circuit may include an amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes.

In some exemplary embodiments, the amplifying circuit may further include resistors connected in series with each other between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply. Each of the plurality of sense channels may be connected to a different one of nodes between an output terminal of the amplifier and a reference power supply.

In some exemplary embodiments, the amplifying circuit may further include a variable resistor connected in parallel to the output terminal of the amplifier. Each of the plurality of sense channels may be connected to a different one of the variable resistors.

In some exemplary embodiments, the amplifying circuit may further include: a resistor group connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier; and a first switching unit including a switch connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and each of the resistor groups.

In some example embodiments, each of the resistor groups may include resistors connected to different ones of the plurality of sensing channels, and the resistors may be connected in parallel with each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, the amplifying circuit may further include a second switching unit, and the second switching unit may include a switch connected between each of the plurality of sensing channels and the resistor group.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor. The display panel includes a display area. The display area includes pixels. The touch sensor includes an active area overlapping the display area. The touch sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a sensing channel, and a processor. The first electrode is disposed in the active region. The first electrode includes a first opening. The second electrode is separated from the first electrode. Each of the second electrodes includes an electrode portion overlapping a corresponding one of the first openings. Each of the sense channels includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to a first electrode of the first electrodes. The second terminal is connected to a second electrode of the second electrodes. Each of the sense channels is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between a corresponding one of the first terminals of the sense channel and a corresponding one of the second terminals of the sense channel. The processor is configured to receive the output signals from the sense channels and detect a touch input based on the output signals.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include: a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode; and a driving circuit configured to sequentially supply a driving signal to the third electrodes.

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a dummy pattern overlapping an area of each third electrode. The dummy pattern may be separated from the third electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second electrodes may be electrically connected to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include an amplification circuit commonly connected between the second electrode and the second terminal of the sensing channel. The amplifying circuit may include an amplifier commonly connected to the second electrode.

In some exemplary embodiments, the amplifying circuit may further include a variable resistor connected in parallel to the output terminal of the amplifier, and each of the sensing channels may be connected to a different one of the variable resistors.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display panel may further include: a first substrate; a light emitting element disposed on a first surface of the first substrate; and a thin film sealing layer provided on the light emitting element and covering at least the light emitting element. The first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed on the thin film sealing layer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a touch sensor (which may be included in or as part of a display device) can effectively eliminate (or at least reduce) a noise signal input from a display panel or the like to a sensing unit of the touch sensor. Accordingly, malfunction of the touch sensor due to the noise signal can be minimized (or at least reduced), and sensing sensitivity can be improved.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concepts, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a display device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 2 illustrates a sensing unit of a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate a modified embodiment of the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 5, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 5 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 5 according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 8A illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line I-I' in fig. 5, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 8B illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line II-II' in fig. 5, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 8C illustrates an example of a cross-section of one region of a display device according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 9 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 10B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 9 according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line III-III' in fig. 9, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 13A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 12 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 13B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 12 according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line IV-IV' in fig. 12, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 16A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 15 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 16B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 15 according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 17A illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line V-V' in fig. 15, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 17B illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line VI-VI' in fig. 15, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 19A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 18 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 19B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 18 according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 20 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 21B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 20 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 23A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 22 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 23B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell shown in FIG. 22 according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 29 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 30 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 29, according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 31 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 32 illustrates an embodiment of a method of adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the touch sensor illustrated in fig. 31 according to some exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 33 illustrates an embodiment of the amplification circuit illustrated in fig. 31, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 34 illustrates an embodiment of a method for adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the amplification circuit illustrated in fig. 33, according to some example embodiments.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Moreover, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the particular shapes, configurations and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are to be understood as exemplary features providing different details of some exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, various illustrated features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, or aspects and the like (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It is often provided that the boundaries between adjacent elements are clarified using cross-hatching and/or shading in the figures. As such, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, proportion, commonality among the illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. Further, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. While example embodiments may be practiced differently, the particular process sequence may be performed differently than described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order to that described. In addition, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. However, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. To this end, the term "connected" may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connections. Further, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X, Y, and Z axes may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, for example. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms such as "below … …," "below … …," "below … …," "below," "above … …," "above," "… …," "higher than … …," and "on the … … side" (e.g., as in "side walls") may be used herein for descriptive purposes to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below … …" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Further, the devices may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and as such, are used to interpret inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and/or exploded views as illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and the shapes of the regions may not illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Some example embodiments are described and illustrated in the figures in terms of functional blocks, units and/or modules according to convention in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented via electronic (or optical) circuitry, such as logic circuitry, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuitry, storage elements, wired connections, and so forth, which may be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Where the blocks, units, and/or modules are implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware, they may be programmed and controlled by software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware for performing the specified function, or as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions. Furthermore, each block, unit and/or module of some example embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units and/or modules without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, the blocks, units and/or modules of some example embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and/or modules without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a display device according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 2 illustrates a sensing unit of a touch sensor according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1, the display device includes a sensing unit (or structure) 100, a touch driver 200, a display panel 300, and a display driver 400. The sensing unit 100 and the touch driver 200 constitute a touch sensor. Although the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 are separately illustrated in fig. 1, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 may be integrally manufactured.

According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed in at least one region of the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed to overlap the display panel 300 on at least one surface of the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of two surfaces of the display panel 300 in a direction in which an image is emitted (e.g., a third direction such as a Z direction). In some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on at least one of two surfaces of the display panel 300, or may be formed inside the display panel 300. For example, the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on the upper surface (or the sealing layer) of the display panel 300, or may be directly formed on an inner surface of the upper or lower substrate (e.g., a lower surface of the upper substrate or an upper surface of the lower substrate).

The sensing unit 100 includes an active area 101 capable of sensing a touch input and a non-active area 102 located outside the active area 101 (e.g., surrounding at least a portion of the active area 101). According to some embodiments, the active area 101 may be disposed to correspond to the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the non-active area 102 may be disposed to correspond to the non-display area 302 of the display panel 300. For example, the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100 may overlap the display area 301 of the display panel 300, and the inactive area 102 of the sensing unit 100 may overlap the non-display area 302 of the display panel 300.

According to some embodiments, the active area 101 may be provided with at least one electrode (e.g., a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130) for detecting a touch input. The sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 may be disposed in the active area 101 or overlap the display area 301 of the display panel 300. In this case, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 may overlap at least one electrode of the display panel 300. For example, when the display panel 300 is an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 may overlap at least a cathode electrode or a common electrode of the display panel 300.

More specifically, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130 disposed to cross each other in the active area 101. For example, the active area 101 may be provided with a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 extending in a first direction (e.g., X direction) and a plurality of driving electrodes 130 extending in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) to cross the plurality of sensing electrodes 120. Although not shown, according to some embodiments, the sensing electrode 120 may be insulated from the driving electrode 130 by at least one insulating layer or at least one insulating film.

A capacitance Cse is formed between the sense electrode 120 and the drive electrode 130, particularly at their intersection. When a touch input (or interaction) occurs at or around the corresponding point, the capacitance Cse changes. Accordingly, a touch input can be detected by detecting a change in the capacitance Cse.

The shape, size, and/or arrangement direction of the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are not particularly limited. As a non-limiting example with respect to the arrangement and configuration of the sense electrodes 120 and the drive electrodes 130, the sense electrodes 120 and the drive electrodes 130 may be configured as shown in FIG. 2. In fig. 1 and 2, although a mutual capacitive touch sensor is disclosed as an exemplary touch sensor, a touch sensor according to some embodiments is not limited to a mutual capacitive touch sensor.

Referring to fig. 2, the sensing unit 100 includes: a base substrate 110 including an active region 101 and a non-active region 102; a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 and a plurality of driving electrodes 130 disposed in the active area 101; and a plurality of wirings 140 and pad (or land) portions 150 disposed in the non-active area 102 on the base substrate 110. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the touch sensor may be a self-capacitance type touch sensor, and the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 receiving a driving signal during one period of the touch driving period and outputting a sensing signal during another period may be disposed in the active area 101.

The base substrate 110 is a base of the sensing unit 100, and may be a rigid substrate or a soft (or pliable) substrate. For example, the base substrate 110 may be a rigid substrate formed of glass or tempered glass, or a flexible substrate formed of at least one flexible plastic material film. Meanwhile, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 may be one of substrates configuring the display panel 300. For example, in some embodiments in which the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 are integrally formed, the base substrate 110 may be at least one substrate (e.g., an upper substrate) configuring the display panel 300 or a thin film sealing layer (or a thin film encapsulation layer).

The sensing electrode 120 may extend in a first direction (e.g., X-direction). According to some embodiments, each of the sensing electrodes 120 disposed in each row may include a plurality of first electrode cells 122 arranged in the first direction and at least one first connection portion 124 connecting the first electrode cells 122 in each row in the first direction. As used herein, the term "connected" may broadly mean physically "connected" and/or electrically "connected. According to some embodiments, if each sensing electrode 120 includes three or more first electrode cells 122, each sensing electrode 120 may include a plurality of first connection parts 124. According to some embodiments, the first connection part 124 may be integrally configured with the first electrode unit 122, or may be configured by a bridge connection pattern.

Although an embodiment in which the first connection part 124 is disposed in the first direction is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first connection portion 124 may be disposed in an oblique direction that is oblique with respect to the first direction. Further, although an embodiment in which the first connection portion 124 has a linear shape (or a bar shape) is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first connection portion 124 may have a bent or curved shape in at least one region. Furthermore, although an embodiment in which adjacent two first electrode cells 122 are connected to each other with one first connection portion 124 disposed therebetween is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, adjacent two first electrode cells 122 may be connected to each other by a plurality of first connection parts 124 disposed therebetween.

According to some embodiments, the first electrode unit 122 and/or the first connection part 124 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the first electrode cell 122 and/or the first connection part 124 may be formed of at least one metal of various metal materials, such as at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt), and/or an alloy thereof. In addition or alternatively, the first electrode unit 122 and/or the first connection part 124 may be made of at least one of various transparent conductive materials, such as silver nanowires (AgNW), Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), Antimony Zinc Oxide (AZO), Indium Tin Zinc Oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO)₂) At least one of carbon nanotubes and graphene). Additionally or alternatively, the first electrode cell 122 and/or the first connection portion 124 may include at least one of various conductive materials (such as a conductive polymer) that may provide electrical conductivity. According to some embodiments, the first electrode cell 122 and/or the first connection portion 124 may be configured as a single layer, a single composite layer of multiple materials, or multiple layers.

According to some embodiments, when the touch sensor is a mutual capacitive touch sensor, the sensing electrode 120 may sense a sensing signal corresponding to a driving signal input to the driving electrode 130. For example, the sensing electrode 120 may be an Rx electrode outputting a sensing signal corresponding to a touch input.

The driving electrodes 130 may extend in a second direction (e.g., Y direction). According to some embodiments, each of the driving electrodes 130 disposed in each column may include a plurality of second electrode cells 132 arranged in the second direction and at least one second connection part 134 connecting the second electrode cells 132 in each column in the second direction. According to some embodiments, if each driving electrode 130 includes three or more second electrode cells 132, each driving electrode 130 may include a plurality of second connection parts 134. According to some embodiments, the second connection part 134 may be integrally formed with the second electrode unit 132, or may be formed by a bridge connection pattern. When the touch sensor is a mutual capacitive touch sensor, the driving electrode 130 may be a Tx electrode that receives a driving signal during a period in which the touch sensor is activated.

Although the first and

second electrode cells

122 and 132 are illustrated in a diamond shape in fig. 2 for convenience, the shape, size, etc. of the first and

second electrode cells

122 and 132 may be variously changed. For example, the first and

second electrode cells

122 and 132 may have other shapes such as a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other suitable polygonal shape or amorphous shape.

Further, although an embodiment in which the second connection part 134 is disposed in the second direction is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the second connection portion 134 may be disposed in an oblique direction that is oblique with respect to the second direction. Further, although an embodiment in which the second connection part 134 has a linear shape (or a bar shape) is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the second connection portion 134 may have a bent or curved shape in at least one region. In addition, although an embodiment in which adjacent two second electrode cells 132 are connected to each other by one second connection part 134 disposed therebetween is illustrated in fig. 2, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, adjacent two second electrode cells 132 may be connected to each other by a plurality of second connection parts 134 disposed therebetween.

According to some embodiments, the second electrode unit 132 and/or the second connection part 134 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the second electrode cell 132 and/or the second connection portion 134 may include at least one of the conductive materials described as the material of construction of the first electrode cell 122 and/or the first connection portion 124 described above. In addition, the second electrode unit 132 and/or the second connection part 134 may be formed of the same conductive material as that forming the first electrode unit 122 and/or the first connection part 124, or may be formed of a different material. In addition, the second electrode unit 132 and/or the second connection part 134 may be formed of a single layer, a single composite layer of a plurality of materials, or a plurality of layers.

According to some embodiments, a wiring 140 for electrically connecting the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 disposed in the active area 101 to the touch driver 200 may be disposed in the inactive area 102. According to some embodiments, the wiring 140 may include a first wiring 142 for electrically connecting each sensing electrode 120 to the pad part 150 and a second wiring 144 for electrically connecting each driving electrode 130 to the pad part 150. For example, each of the wirings 140 may electrically connect one of the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 to a predetermined pad 152 included in the pad part 150. Meanwhile, although fig. 2 illustrates that the first wiring 142 is connected to one end of the sensing electrode 120 and the second wiring 144 is connected to one end of the driving electrode 130 for convenience sake, connection structures between the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 and the first and

second wirings

142 and 144 may be variously changed. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the first and

second wirings

142 and 144 may be connected to both ends of the sensing electrode 120 or both ends of the driving electrode 130.

The pad part 150 may include a plurality of pads 152 for electrically connecting the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 to an external driving circuit (e.g., the touch driver 200). The sensing unit 100 and the touch driver 200 may communicate with each other through the pad part 150.

Referring again to fig. 1, the touch driver 200 is electrically connected to the sensing unit 100 to transmit and receive a signal for driving the sensing unit 100. For example, the touch driver 200 may detect a touch input by receiving a sensing signal corresponding to a driving signal from the sensing unit 100 after supplying the driving signal to the sensing unit 100. To this end, the touch driver 200 may include a driving circuit 210 and a sensing circuit 220 (see fig. 3). In some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be integrated in one touch Integrated Circuit (IC) (T-IC), but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

According to some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 may be electrically connected to the driving electrodes 130 of the sensing unit 100 to sequentially supply driving signals to the driving electrodes 130. According to some embodiments, the sensing circuit 220 may be electrically connected to the sensing electrode 120 of the sensing unit 100 to receive a sensing signal from the sensing electrode 120, and perform signal processing of the sensed signal to detect a touch input.

The display panel 300 includes a display area 301 and a non-display area 302 surrounding at least one area of the display area 301. The display region 301 is provided with a plurality of scan lines 310, a plurality of data lines 320, and a plurality of pixels P connected to the scan lines 310 and the data lines 320. The non-display region 302 may be provided with wirings (such as power wirings) for supplying various driving signals and/or driving power used to drive the pixels P.

The type of the display panel 300 is not limited. For example, the display panel 300 may be a self-light emitting display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel (OLED panel). Additionally or alternatively, the display panel 300 may be a non-light emitting display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an electrophoretic display panel (EPD panel), an electrowetting display panel (EWD panel), or the like. If the display panel 300 is a non-light emitting display panel, the display device may further include a light source (e.g., a backlight unit) for supplying light to the display panel 300. The light source may provide one or more of edge light and backlight.

The display driver 400 is electrically connected to the display panel 300 to supply signals for driving the display panel 300. For example, the display driver 400 may include at least one of a scan driver for supplying scan signals to the scan lines 310, a data driver for supplying data signals to the data lines 320, and a timing control unit (or a timing controller) for driving the scan driver and the data driver. According to some embodiments, the scan driver, the data driver, and/or the timing control unit may be integrated in one display IC (D-IC), but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the scan driver, the data driver, and the timing control unit may be integrated or mounted on the display panel 300.

FIG. 3 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. For convenience, fig. 3 shows each of the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 provided in the sensing unit 100 and a capacitance Cse formed at an intersection between the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130. Fig. 3 shows a drive circuit 210 and a sense circuit 220 around the sense electrode 120 and the drive electrode 130 forming a capacitance Cse.

Referring to fig. 3, the sensing unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes 120 and driving electrodes 130 forming a capacitance Cse. The driving electrodes 130 are electrically connected to the driving circuit 210 of the touch driver 200, and the sensing electrodes 120 are electrically connected to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200. Meanwhile, although fig. 3 illustrates the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 separated from each other, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, according to some embodiments, the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be separately provided, or at least a portion of the driving circuit 210 and the sensing circuit 220 may be integrally integrated.

According to some embodiments, a method of driving a touch sensor will be described. First, the driving signal Sdr is supplied from the driving circuit 210 to the driving electrode 130. If the sensing unit 100 includes a plurality of driving electrodes 130 as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, the driving circuit 210 may sequentially supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrodes 130. Then, a sensing signal Sse corresponding to the driving signal Sdr applied to each driving electrode 130 is output from each sensing electrode 120 by the coupling action of the capacitance Cse. The sensing signal Sse is input to the sensing circuit 220 of the touch driver 200.

According to some embodiments, if the sensing unit 100 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 120 as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, the sensing circuit 220 may include a plurality of sensing channels (Rx channels) 222 electrically connected to each sensing electrode 120, and may receive the sensing signal Sse output from the plurality of sensing electrodes 120 through the sensing channels 222. The sensing circuit 220 amplifies, converts, and processes the sensing signal Sse output from each sensing electrode 120, and detects a touch input according to the result. To this end, the sensing circuit 220 may include a plurality of sensing channels 222 corresponding to each sensing electrode 120, at least one analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as ADC)224 connected to the sensing channels 222, and a processor 226. For convenience, the sensing channels 222 and the ADCs 224 will be described hereinafter as separate construction elements, but in some embodiments, the ADCs 224 may be constructed within each sensing channel 222.

According to some embodiments, each sense channel 222 may include at least one analog front end (hereinafter, referred to as "AFE"). Furthermore, according to some embodiments, if sensing circuit 220 includes an ADC 224 connected to each AFE in a 1:1 manner, each sensing channel 222 may include a pair of AFEs and ADCs 224 connected to each other. However, in at least one other embodiment, multiple AFEs may share one ADC 224. For convenience, the exemplary embodiment will be described by defining an AFE connected to each sense electrode 120 as each sense channel 222 and treating ADC 224 as a separate construction element from sense channel 222.

The sensing channel 222 may receive a sensing signal Sse from each sensing electrode 120 and amplify the received signal for output to the ADC 224. According to some embodiments, each sense channel 222 may be configured as an AFE including at least one first amplifier AMP1 (such as an operational amplifier). According to some embodiments, a first input terminal (also referred to as a first terminal) IN1 of sense channel 222 (e.g., the inverting input terminal of operational amplifier AMP 1) may be connected to one of sense electrodes 120. That is, the sensing signal Sse from any one of the sensing electrodes 120 may be input to the first input terminal IN 1. Further, a second input terminal (also referred to as a second terminal) IN2 of sense channel 222 (e.g., the non-inverting input terminal of operational amplifier AMP 1) may be connected to a reference power supply, such as Ground (GND). Meanwhile, the capacitor C and the reset switch SW may be connected IN parallel between the output terminal OUT1 and the first input terminal IN1 of the operational amplifier AMP 1.

ADC 224 converts the analog signal output from sense channel 222 to a digital signal. According to some embodiments, the ADC 224 may be set as many as the number of sense electrodes 120, corresponding to each sense channel 222 corresponding to each sense electrode 120 in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, in at least one other embodiment, multiple sensing channels 222 can be configured to share one ADC 224. In this case, a switching circuit for selecting the sensing channel 222 may be additionally provided between the sensing channel 222 and the ADC 224.

The processor 226 processes the converted signal (digital signal) from the ADC 224 and detects a touch input according to the signal processing result. For example, the processor 226 may collectively analyze the signals (e.g., amplified and converted sense signals Sse) output from the plurality of sense electrodes 120 via each sense channel 222 and each ADC 224 to detect whether and where a touch input occurred. According to some embodiments, the processor 226 may be configured as a Microprocessor (MPU). In this case, memory (not shown) required to drive the processor 226 (e.g., to provide one or more sequences of one or more instructions (e.g., programming code) to the processor 226) may additionally be provided internal to the sensing circuit 220 (or connected to the sensing circuit 220); however, the configuration of the processor 226 is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, the processor 226 may be configured as a Microcontroller (MCU) or the like.

As described above, the touch sensor may be combined with the display panel 300 or the like. For example, the sensing unit 100 of the touch sensor may be integrally manufactured with the display panel 300 or may be attached to at least one surface of the display panel 300 after being manufactured separately from the display panel 300.

If the sensing unit 100 is coupled to the display panel 300, a parasitic capacitance may be generated between the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300. The noise signal from the display panel 300 may be transmitted to the touch sensor (e.g., the sensing unit 100) by the coupling effect of the parasitic capacitance. For example, a noise signal at least partially caused by a display driving signal for driving the display panel 300 may be input to the sensing unit 100. For example, the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 of the sensing unit 100 may be disposed to overlap a cathode electrode or a common electrode of the display panel 300, in which case common mode noise at least partially caused by a display driving signal applied to the display panel 300 may be input to the sensing unit 100.

For example, in the display device according to some embodiments, the display panel 300 may be an organic light emitting display panel having a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE), and may be implemented by an on-cell type sensor in which the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 are directly formed on one surface (e.g., an upper surface) of TFE. In this case, at least one electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode) disposed in the organic light emitting display panel is disposed adjacent to the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130. Accordingly, a relatively large noise signal caused at least in part by the display driving signal may be input to the sensing unit 100. The noise signal input to the sensing unit 100 may cause a ripple of the sensing signal Sse (or cause a ripple in the sensing signal Sse). Thereby, the sensitivity of the touch sensor may be reduced. Accordingly, the inventive concept provides various embodiments capable of improving the sensitivity of a touch sensor, and a detailed description thereof will be described below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. For convenience, the base substrate 110 and the pad part 150 shown in fig. 2 are not shown in fig. 4, but the sensing unit 100 of fig. 4 may be formed on the base substrate 110. In fig. 4, the construction elements similar to or the same as those in fig. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 4, the touch sensor includes a sensing unit 100, a driving circuit 210 electrically connected to the sensing unit 100, and a sensing circuit 220 electrically connected to the sensing unit 100. The sensing cell 100 further includes at least one noise detection electrode 160 disposed in the active area 101.

According to some embodiments, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 separated from each other may be disposed in the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100, and the noise detection electrodes 160 may be formed in pairs with any one of the sensing electrodes 120. That is, according to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 includes an electrode pair configured with the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to each other. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in the touch sensor according to at least one other embodiment, a plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 among the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the effective region 101 may be electrically connected to each other. As an example, all the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the effective region 101 may be electrically connected to each other to be substantially implemented as one noise detection electrode 160.

For example, the sensing unit 100 includes at least one pair of sensing electrodes (first electrodes) 120 and a noise detection electrode (second electrode) 160. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may further include at least one driving electrode (third electrode) 130 crossing the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrode 160. For example, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of noise detection electrodes (second electrodes) 160 paired with each sensing electrode 120 and separated from the sensing electrode 120, and a plurality of driving electrodes (third electrodes) 130 crossing the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160 and separated from the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrodes 160.

According to some embodiments, the sensing electrode 120, the noise detection electrode 160, and the driving electrode 130 may be physically and/or electrically separated from each other. For example, at least a portion of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 may overlap and/or cross each other, and may be separated from each other by one or more insulating layers or insulating patterns (not shown) in at least an overlapping region. That is, the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 may be separated from each other to be electrically isolated, and a capacitance may be formed therebetween.

According to some embodiments, the sensing electrodes 120 may extend in a first direction (e.g., an X direction) in the active area 101, and the driving electrodes 130 may extend in a second direction (e.g., a Y direction) in the active area 101 to cross the sensing electrodes 120. Further, the noise detection electrode 160 may extend in the first direction in the active area 101 like the sensing electrode 120, and one area of the noise detection electrode 160 may overlap the sensing electrode 120.

According to some embodiments, each of the sensing electrodes 120 may include a plurality of first electrode cells 122 arranged in the first direction and at least one first connection part 124 connecting the first electrode cells 122 in the first direction. According to some embodiments, if each sensing electrode 120 includes three or more first electrode cells 122, each sensing electrode 120 may include a plurality of first connection parts 124. According to some embodiments, the first electrode unit 122 and/or the first connection part 124 may have conductivity by including at least one of various transparent conductive materials (including ITO and IZO), various metal materials (including Ag), and other various conductive materials. Meanwhile, the shape of the sensing electrode 120 is not limited to the illustrated shape. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each sense electrode 120 can be formed from an integral strip electrode.

According to some embodiments, each sensing electrode 120 may include at least one first opening (or aperture) OP1 located therein. For example, at least the center of each first electrode unit 122 may be open.

According to some embodiments, each noise detection electrode 160 may include at least one electrode portion 162 located inside the first opening OP1 included in any one of the sensing electrodes 120. That is, the at least one electrode portion 162 may overlap the first opening OP 1. For example, if each of the first electrode cells 122 includes at least one first opening OP1, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include a plurality of electrode portions 162 disposed inside the first opening OP1 (or overlapping the first opening OP 1) in the first electrode cell 122, the first electrode cell 122 configuring any one of the first electrodes 120 paired with the corresponding one of the noise detection electrodes 160. Any one of the first electrodes 120 and any one of the noise detection electrodes 160 configured in a pair may be disposed to correspond to each other such that at least one region may overlap each other. Further, each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may include at least one connection line (also referred to as a connection pattern) 164 connecting the electrode parts 162 in the first direction. According to some embodiments, if each noise detection electrode 160 includes three or more electrode portions 162, each noise detection electrode 160 may include a plurality of connection lines 164.

According to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 and/or the connection line 164 may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the electrode portion 162 and/or the connection line 164 may include at least one of the conductive materials described as the material forming the first electrode unit 122, the first connection portion 124, the second electrode unit 132, and/or the second connection portion 134. In addition, the electrode part 162 and/or the connection line 164 may be formed of the same conductive material as that forming the first electrode unit 122, the first connection part 124, the second electrode unit 132, and/or the second connection part 134, or may be formed of a different material. Further, each of the electrode portion 162 and/or the connection line 164 may be configured as a single layer, a single composite layer of a plurality of materials, or a plurality of layers.

According to some embodiments, each of the first openings OP1 may overlap any one of the electrode portions 162 and at least one region of the connection line 164 connected to any one of the electrode portions 162. For example, each of the first openings OP1 may overlap any one of the electrode portions 162 located in the first opening OP1, and may overlap an area of the at least one connection line 164 connected to at least one end of any one of the electrode portions 162.

According to some embodiments, each sense electrode 120 may be connected to a different sense channel 222 through a different first wiring 142. Each noise detection electrode 160 may be connected to a different sense channel 222 through a different third wiring 146. According to some embodiments, the pair of sense electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected to the same sense channel 222. For example, the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 may be connected to the same sensing channel 222 of the plurality of sensing channels 222, and may be respectively connected to different input terminals (e.g., the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN2) IN any one of the sensing channels 222.

According to some embodiments, at least one buffer BU may be disposed between each noise detection electrode 160 and its corresponding sense channel 222. According to some embodiments, each buffer BU is connected between noise detection electrode 160 and sense channel 222 corresponding to each other, and buffers a signal (e.g., noise signal Sno) output from noise detection electrode 160 to output the buffered signal. According to some embodiments, buffer BU may include a third input terminal IN3 electrically connected to output terminal OUT2 and a fourth input terminal IN4 electrically connected to a corresponding noise detection electrode 160 to receive noise signal Sno. According to some embodiments, the third input terminal IN3 and the fourth input terminal IN4 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, the connection structure of the buffer BU may be variously changed.

According to some embodiments, each driving electrode 130 may include a plurality of second electrode cells 132 arranged in the second direction and at least one second connection part 134 connecting adjacent second electrode cells 132 in the second direction. According to some embodiments, if each driving electrode 130 includes three or more second electrode cells 132, each driving electrode 130 may include a plurality of second connection parts 134. According to some embodiments, the second electrode unit 132 and/or the second connection part 134 may have conductivity by including at least one of various transparent conductive materials (including ITO and IZO), various metal materials (including Ag), and other various conductive materials.

The shape of the driving electrode 130 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each drive electrode 130 may be formed from an integral strip electrode. According to some embodiments, each driving electrode 130 may be connected to the driving circuit 210 through a different second wiring 144.

According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may further include at least one first dummy pattern (also referred to as a fourth electrode) 166 overlapping the at least one driving electrode 130. For example, the sensing unit 100 may include a plurality of first dummy patterns 166 overlapping one area of each of the second electrode cells 132. According to some embodiments, at least one insulating layer (not shown) may be disposed between the first dummy pattern 166 and the driving electrode 130. For example, each of the first dummy patterns 166 may be separated from the driving electrode 130 by at least one insulating layer, and may be implemented as an electrically floating island pattern. According to some embodiments, each of the first dummy patterns 166 may be disposed to be separated from the electrode part 162 in the same layer as the electrode part 162. According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed of the same material as that of the electrode part 162, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 and the electrode part 162 may have the same (or substantially the same) shape and size as each other. In this case, the effective region 101 has an overall uniform pattern. Therefore, uniform visibility characteristics can be ensured throughout the entire effective region 101. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first dummy pattern 166 may not be necessarily provided, the first dummy pattern 166 may be selectively provided, and the like. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first dummy pattern 166 may not be provided.

Although fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which each of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 includes the plate-shaped

electrode units

122 and 132 or the electrode part 162, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and the noise detection electrode 160 may be formed of a mesh-shaped electrode.

The driving circuit 210 is electrically connected to the driving electrode 130 to supply a driving signal Sdr to the driving electrode 130. For example, the driving circuit 210 may sequentially supply the driving signal Sdr to the driving electrode 130 during a period in which the touch sensor is activated. According to some embodiments, the driving signal Sdr may be an Alternating Current (AC) signal (such as a pulse wave) having a predetermined period.

The sensing circuit 220 may include: a plurality of sense channels 222 that receive sense signal Sse1 from each sense electrode 120; a plurality of ADCs 224 electrically connected to output terminal OUT1 of each sense channel 222; and a processor 226 that receives the converted signal (digital signal) from the ADC 224 to detect a touch input.

According to some embodiments, each sense channel 222 may include a first input terminal IN1 connected to any one of the sense electrodes 120 and a second input terminal IN2 connected to at least one noise detection electrode 160. For example, the first input terminal IN1 of each sense channel 222 may be connected to a different one of the sense electrodes 120, and the second input terminal IN2 of each sense channel 222 may be connected to at least one noise detection electrode 160.

For example, the first and second input terminals IN1 and IN2 of each sensing channel 222 may be respectively connected to the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 corresponding to each other. For example, a first input terminal IN1 of a sense channel 222 receiving a sense signal Sse1 from a sense electrode 120 located IN a first row of the active area 101 may be connected to the sense electrode 120 IN the first row, and a second input terminal IN2 of the sense channel 222 may be electrically connected to the noise detection electrode 160 IN the first row. Each sense channel 222 generates an output signal Sse2 corresponding to a voltage difference between the first input terminal IN1 and the second input terminal IN 2. For example, each sense channel 222 may amplify the sense signal Sse1 input from the first input terminal IN1 with the potential of the noise signal Sno input to the second input terminal IN2, and may output the amplified signal as the output signal Sse 2. That is, sense channel 222 may operate with the potential of noise signal Sno as a reference, rather than with a predetermined reference potential (e.g., ground potential) as a fixed reference.

The signal output from sense channel 222 (e.g., output signal Sse2) is input to at least one ADC 224 to be converted to a digital signal, which is then input to processor 226. Processor 226 receives output signal Sse2 of sense channel 222 through ADC 224 and detects a touch input based on output signal Sse 2.

As described above, the noise detection electrode 160 is additionally provided in addition to the electrodes (e.g., the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130) for detecting the touch input. The noise detection electrode 160 is isolated from the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130. Accordingly, a capacitance may be formed between the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, and/or the noise detection electrode 160.

According to some embodiments, noise detection electrode 160 is electrically connected to second input terminal IN2 (reference terminal) of each sense channel 222. Therefore, the reference voltage of each noise detection electrode 160 is changed together according to the voltage variation of each noise detection electrode 160. That is, the reference potential of the sensing channel 222 may vary according to the potential (voltage level) of the noise detection electrode 160. The potential of the noise detection electrode 160 may be changed according to a noise signal Sno input to the sensing unit 100 from the display panel 300 or the like. For example, the potential of the noise detection electrode 160 may vary corresponding to common mode noise input to the sensing unit 100 from the display panel 300 or the like.

Therefore, as described earlier, since the noise detection electrode 160 is further disposed in the effective region 101, and the reference potential of the sense channel 222 is varied with the output signal (e.g., the noise signal Sno) from the noise detection electrode 160, the common mode noise input to the sense cell 100 can be eliminated (or removed). For example, the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 have ripples corresponding to each other corresponding to the common mode noise. That is, the pair of sensing electrodes 120 and noise detection electrodes 160 extend in the same direction in the active area 101 and are disposed at positions corresponding to each other, thereby receiving the noise signal Sno having a very similar shape and/or size. In addition, each noise detection electrode 160 is electrically connected to a different sensing channel 222 through a different third wiring 146. For example, the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222, IN which the first input terminal IN1 is connected to a predetermined sensing electrode 120, is electrically connected to the noise detection electrode 160 paired with the predetermined sensing electrode 120 through a predetermined third wiring 146.

As such, if the first and second input terminals IN1 and IN2 of each sense channel 222 are electrically connected to the sense electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160, respectively, which correspond to each other, noise components (e.g., ripples) contained IN the sense signal Sse1 from the sensing cell 100 may be effectively eliminated IN the sense channel 222. Accordingly, each sense channel 222 may output an output signal Sse2 with its noise removed (or reduced).

Further, according to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 of each noise detection electrode 160 is disposed inside each sensing electrode 120 (e.g., inside the first opening OP 1). Therefore, a sufficient separation distance between the driving electrode 130 for receiving the driving signal Sdr and the noise detection electrode 160 for receiving the noise signal Sno can be ensured. Accordingly, the noise signal Sno can be effectively detected by reducing or preventing the voltage variation of the noise detection electrode 160 caused by the driving signal Sdr.

Further, in some embodiments, at least one first opening OP1 is formed in each sensing electrode 120, and the electrode part 162 of the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed inside the first opening OP 1. Further, according to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 may overlap the at least one electrode portion 162 and a region of the at least one connection line 164 connected to the electrode portion 162. That is, according to some embodiments, the region in which the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 overlap each other may be reduced or minimized. According to some embodiments, parasitic capacitance between the sensing electrode 120 and the noise detection electrode 160 may be reduced or minimized.

As described previously, according to some embodiments, the noise signal Sno input to the sensing unit 100 of the touch sensor from the display panel 300 or the like can be effectively eliminated, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved. Accordingly, malfunction of the touch sensor due to the noise signal Sno may be minimized (or at least reduced) and sensing sensitivity may be improved. That is, according to some embodiments, a touch sensor having high sensitivity and a display device including the touch sensor can be provided. This can be effectively applied to a display device having a short distance between the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300. For example, by directly forming the sensing electrode 120 and the driving electrode 130 on the upper substrate or the thin film sealing layer of the display panel 300, it can be effectively applied to improve the touch sensitivity of the noise-sensitive on-cell type display device. The application range is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that the inventive concept can be applied to various display devices and/or electronic devices.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4 according to some exemplary embodiments, and fig. 6A and 6B illustrate different modified embodiments of the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 5 according to various exemplary embodiments, respectively. Fig. 7A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 5 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 7B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 5 according to some example embodiments. Fig. 8A illustrates an example of a cross section taken along section line I-I 'in fig. 5, and fig. 8B illustrates an example of a cross section taken along section line II-II' in fig. 5, according to some example embodiments. Fig. 8C illustrates an example of a cross-section of one region of a display device according to some example embodiments. That is, fig. 8C illustrates an embodiment of an arrangement structure of the sensing unit 100 and the display panel 300 stacked on each other in the display device. In fig. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8A to 8C, the similar or identical construction elements to those in fig. 4 are denoted by the same (or similar) reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, referring to fig. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_2 and the second electrode cell 132, 132_1, or 132_2 may be disposed on the same layer. For example, the first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_2 and the second electrode cell 132, 132_1, or 132_2 may be disposed on the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110.

According to some embodiments, one of the first and second connection parts 124, 124_1 or 124_2 and 134, 134_1 or 134_2 may be disposed on the first layer L1 together with the first and second electrode cells 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and 132, 132_1 or 132_ 2. For example, as shown in fig. 5, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the second connection part 134 is integrally connected to the second electrode cell 132 and disposed in the first layer L1, and the first connection part 124 may be formed in a bridge-like connection pattern and disposed in the second layer L2 different from the first layer L1. According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 may be formed in an inner portion (e.g., in at least a central region) of each first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_ 2.

According to some embodiments, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be separated from each other by interposing at least one insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer 170) therebetween. The first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be connected to the first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_2 through a first contact hole CH1 passing through the first insulating layer 170. According to some embodiments, the second layer L2 may be located between the base substrate 110 and the first layer L1. That is, the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be formed as a lower bridge as shown in fig. 8A and 8B in conjunction with the first connection portion 124. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the positions of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 can be reversed. That is, according to some embodiments, the first layer L1 may be disposed between the base substrate 110 and the second layer L2, and the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 may be formed as an upper bridge.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 6A, the first connection part 124_1 may be integrally connected to the first electrode cell 122_1, and may be disposed in the first layer L1. In this case, as an example, the second connection parts 134_1 may be formed in a bridge connection pattern and may be disposed in the second layer L2.

However, the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in fig. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B. For example, in at least one other embodiment, both the first connection part 124, 124_1 or 124_2 and the second connection part 134, 134_1 or 134_2 may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode unit 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the second electrode unit 132, 132_1 or 132_2, or may be disposed in different layers separated from each other. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the first electrode cell 122, 122_1 or 122_2 and the first connection portion 124, 124_1 or 124_2 configuring each sensing electrode 120, 120_1 or 120_2 may be integrally formed and disposed in the first layer L1, and the second electrode cell 132, 132_1 or 132_2 and the second connection portion 134, 134_1 or 134_2 configuring each driving electrode 130, 130_1 or 130_2 may be integrally formed and disposed in the second layer L2.

According to some embodiments, each electrode part 162 or 162_1 may be disposed inside the first opening OP1, and may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_2, the first opening OP1 being disposed in any one of the first electrode cells 122, 122_1, or 122_ 2. For example, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 may be disposed in a different layer from the first electrode unit 122, 122_1, or 122_2 by interposing the first insulating layer 170 between the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the first electrode unit 122, 122_1, or 122_2, and may be separated from the first electrode unit 122, 122_1, or 122_ 2. For example, the first electrode unit 122, 122_1, or 122_2 may be disposed in the first layer L1 on the base substrate 110, and the electrode part 162 or 162_1 may be disposed in the second layer L2.

According to some embodiments, the connection line 164 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the second layer L2) as the electrode portion 162 or 162_ 1. In this case, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 configuring each noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1 and the connection line 164 or 164_1 may be integrally connected.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the connection line 164 or 164_1 may be disposed on the same layer as the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_ 2. In this case, the electrode portion 162 or 162_1 and the connection line 164 or 164_1 may be disposed not to overlap with the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_ 2. For example, the connection line 164 or 164_1 may bypass without passing through the region where the first connection portion 124, 124_1, or 124_2 is provided, thereby connecting the adjacent two electrode portions 162 or 162_ 1. Accordingly, the sensing electrode 120, 120_1, or 120_2 and the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1 may be kept insulated from each other.

According to some embodiments, the first dummy pattern 166 or 166_1 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the second layer L2) as the electrode portion 162 or 162_ 1. Further, the first dummy pattern 166 or 166_1 may have substantially the same shape and size as those of the electrode portion 162 or 162_ 1. In this case, the effective region 101 can be uniformly viewed all the time.

Meanwhile, fig. 5 and 6A illustrate the first electrode unit bodies 122 and 122_1, the second electrode unit bodies 132 and 132_1, the first connection parts 124 and 124_1, the second connection parts 134 and 134_1, the electrode part 162, and the first dummy pattern 166, each having a pattern of a plate shape or a stripe shape, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first electrode units 122 and 122_1, the second electrode units 132 and 132_1, the first connection parts 124 and 124_1, the second connection parts 134 and 134_1, the electrode part 162, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be a grid-shaped electrode or pattern. That is, in at least one other embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrodes 120 and 120_1, the driving electrodes 130 and 130_1, the noise detection electrode 160, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed in a mesh shape.

For example, as shown in fig. 6B, each of the first electrode unit 122_2, the second electrode unit 132_2, the first connection portion 124_2, the second connection portion 134_2, the electrode portion 162_1, and the first dummy pattern 166_1 may be a grid-shaped electrode or pattern including a plurality of conductive fine thin lines FL. Further, fig. 6B shows each of the connection lines 164_1 in a single line shape, but in some embodiments, each of the connection lines 164_1 may also be formed in a mesh shape including a plurality of fine conductive lines FL. Further, fig. 6B shows an embodiment in which the fine conductive wire FL is disposed in an oblique direction as an example, but the direction and/or shape of the fine conductive wire FL may be variously changed. In addition, if the first electrode unit 122_2 and the first connection part 124_2 are disposed on different layers, the first electrode unit 122_2 and the connection part 124_2 configuring each sensing electrode 120_2 may be physically and/or electrically connected to each other through a contact hole (not shown) according to some embodiments.

Meanwhile, in at least one other embodiment, a portion of the first electrode unit 122 or 122_1, the second electrode unit 132 or 132_1, the first connection part 124 or 124_1, the second connection part 134 or 134_1, the electrode part 162, and the first dummy pattern 166 may be formed as a plate-shaped or bar-shaped electrode or pattern, and the remaining portion may be formed in a mesh shape. That is, the shapes and structures of the sensing electrodes 120, 120_1, and 120_2, the driving electrodes 130, 130_1, and 130_2, the noise detection electrodes 160 and 160_1, and the first dummy patterns 166 and 166_1 may be modified in various forms.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, each first opening OP1 overlaps with at least one electrode part 162 or 162_1 disposed inside each first electrode cell 122, 122_1 or 122_ 2. Further, each of the first openings OP1 overlaps with one region of at least one connection line 164 or 164_1 connected to at least one end (e.g., both ends) of any one electrode portion 162 or 162_ 1. Meanwhile, one region of the first electrode unit 122, 122_1, or 122_2 may overlap one region of the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1 to prevent each of the first electrode units 122, 122_1, or 122_2 from being separated from the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_ 1. For example, each of the first electrode cells 122, 122_1, or 122_2 may overlap one region of the connection line 164 or 164_1 at both ends adjacent to the first connection part 124, 124_1, or 124_2 and the second connection part 134, 134_1, or 134_2, thereby preventing the upper and lower portions of the first electrode cell 122, 122_1, or 122_2 from being separated from each other.

According to various embodiments, parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160 or 160_1, the sensing electrode 120, 120_1, or 120_2, and/or the driving electrode 130, 130_1, or 130_2 can be reduced or minimized. Therefore, malfunction of the touch sensor can be prevented and the noise signal Sno can be detected efficiently.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 serving as a base of the sensing unit 100 may be a thin film sealing layer of an organic light emitting display panel. In this case, the base substrate 110 may be formed as a multi-layer including at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer, or may be configured with a single layer including a combination of organic materials. For example, the base substrate 110 may be configured with a multilayer including at least two inorganic layers and at least one organic layer interposed between the at least two inorganic layers. As such, in the display device in which the base substrate 110 is configured with the thin film sealing layer of the organic light emitting display panel, the sensor pattern configuring the sensing unit 100 and the display pattern configuring the display panel 300 may be disposed on different surfaces of the base substrate 110.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an arrangement structure of the sensor patterns provided in the sensing unit 100 and the display patterns provided in the display panel 300 will be described with reference to fig. 8C. For convenience, the structure of the sensing cell 100 is illustrated in fig. 8C in the same manner as illustrated in fig. 8A, but the structure of the sensing cell 100 is not limited thereto. To avoid redundant description, a detailed description of the structure of the sensing unit 100 will be omitted in describing fig. 8C.

Referring to fig. 8C, the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed and/or disposed on the thin film sealing layer 110_1 of the display panel (specifically, organic light emitting display panel) 300. Accordingly, a sensor-display integrated organic light emitting display panel may be provided. That is, according to some embodiments, the base substrate 110 of the sensing unit 100 described above may be the thin film sealing layer 110_1 of the display panel 300, and thus, like reference numerals or numbers will be given. For convenience, fig. 8C shows only one light emitting element (e.g., organic light emitting diode) OLED and one thin film transistor TFT connected to the one light emitting element OLED in a pixel pattern disposed in each pixel region of the display panel 300.

According to some embodiments, the display panel 300 includes a first substrate 330, a light emitting element OLED disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330, and a thin film sealing layer 110_1 disposed on the light emitting element OLED and covering at least the light emitting element OLED. Further, according to some embodiments, the display panel 300 may further include at least one thin film transistor TFT connected to the light emitting element OLED. According to some embodiments, a thin film transistor TFT may be positioned between the first substrate 330 and the light emitting element OLED. In addition, the display panel 300 may further include at least one power line, a signal line, and/or a capacitor, which are not shown in fig. 8C.

According to some embodiments, the first substrate 330 may be a rigid substrate and/or a soft (or pliable) substrate, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. For example, the first substrate 330 may be a thin film substrate having a flexible characteristic. The buffer layer BFL is disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330. The buffer layer BFL may prevent diffusion of impurities from the first substrate 330 and improve the flatness of the first substrate 330. According to some embodiments, the buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as at least two or more layers, or a composite layer of two or more materials. According to some embodiments, the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer formed of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and the like. If the buffer layer BFL is provided in a plurality of layers, each layer may be formed of the same material or different materials. Meanwhile, in at least one other embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

The thin film transistor TFT is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The thin film transistor TFT includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. According to some embodiments, the active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL and may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polysilicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or the like, and may be formed of a semiconductor layer doped with impurities or an undoped semiconductor layer. Alternatively, one region (e.g., a region overlapping the gate electrode GE) of the active layer ACT may not be doped with impurities, and the remaining region may be doped with impurities.

According to some embodiments, a gate insulating layer GI may be disposed on the active layer ACT, and a gate electrode GE may be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. Further, an interlayer insulating layer IL may be disposed on the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer GI, and the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be connected to different ends of the active layer ACT through respective second contact holes CH2 passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer IL.

According to some embodiments, the passivation layer PSV is disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer PSV may cover the thin film transistor TFT, and an upper surface of the passivation layer PSV may be planarized.

According to some embodiments, the light emitting element OLED is disposed on the passivation layer PSV. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2, and a light emitting layer EML interposed between the first electrode EL1 and the second electrode EL 2. According to some embodiments, the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED may be an anode electrode, but is not limited thereto. The first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is connected to one electrode (for example, the drain electrode DE) of the thin film transistor TFT through a third contact hole CH3 passing through the passivation layer PSV.

A pixel defining layer PDL for partitioning each pixel region (or a light emitting region of each pixel) is disposed on one surface of the first substrate 330 where the first electrode EL1 of the light emitting element OLED is formed. According to some embodiments, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose an upper surface (or a portion of the upper surface) of the first electrode EL1, and may protrude from the first substrate 330 along the periphery of each pixel region. In this way, the pixel defining layer PDL may cover the edge portion of the first electrode EL 1.

The light emitting layer EML is disposed in a pixel region surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the exposed surface of the first electrode EL 1. According to some embodiments, the light emitting layer EML may have a multi-layered thin film structure including at least a light generation layer. For example, the emission layer EML may include at least some of a Hole Injection Layer (HIL), a Hole Transport Layer (HTL), a light generation layer, a Hole Blocking Layer (HBL), an Electron Transport Layer (ETL), and an Electron Injection Layer (EIL). According to some embodiments, the color of light generated in the light emitting layer EML may be one of red, green, blue, and white, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the color of light generated in the light emitting layer EML may be one of magenta, cyan, and yellow.

According to some embodiments, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. According to some embodiments, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be a cathode electrode, but is not limited thereto.

According to some embodiments, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 covering the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED. If the pixel region of the display panel 300 is sealed with the thin film sealing layer 110_1, the thickness of the display device may be reduced and the flexible characteristic may be ensured.

According to some embodiments, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may have a multi-layer or single-layer structure. For example, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may include a first inorganic layer 111 and a second inorganic layer 113 stacked on each other and an organic layer 112 interposed between the first inorganic layer 111 and the second inorganic layer 113. Alternatively, in at least one other embodiment, the thin film sealing layer 110_1 may be a single layer including an organic material or an inorganic material.

According to some embodiments, the organic layer 112 may have a thickness greater than the first and second

inorganic layers

111 and 113. For example, the organic layer 112 may have a thickness of about 4 μm to 10 μm, and each of the first and second

inorganic layers

111 and 113 may have a thickness of about 4 μm to 10 μm

To

Is measured.

According to various embodiments, the display panel 300 may be implemented as an organic light emitting display panel having a thin film sealing layer 110_1, and the sensor pattern of the sensing unit 100 may be directly formed on the thin film sealing layer 110_ 1. For example, the sensing electrode 120, the driving electrode 130, the noise detection electrode 160, and/or the first dummy pattern 166 may be directly disposed on the thin film sealing layer 110_ 1.

In this case, the sensor pattern is disposed near the display pattern (specifically, the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED) disposed in the display panel 300. Therefore, a noise signal from the second electrode EL2 of the light emitting element OLED may be input to the sensor pattern. However, in various embodiments, as described above, the noise signal is effectively eliminated using the noise detection electrode 160. As such, although the sensor-display integrated panel is formed as shown in fig. 8C, and the organic layer 112 of the thin film sealing layer 110_1 is formed to a thickness of 10 μm or less, the sensitivity of the touch sensor can be sufficiently ensured. For example, if the noise reduction/elimination structure according to some embodiments is applied, although the entire thickness of the thin film sealing layer 110_1 is designed to be less than or equal to 10 μm, the sensitivity of the touch sensor may be sufficiently ensured.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 10A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 9 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 10B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 9 according to some example embodiments. Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line III-III' of fig. 9, according to some example embodiments. In fig. 9, 10A, 10B, and 11, the construction elements similar to or the same as those in fig. 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or numerals, and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 9, 10A, 10B, and 11, the touch sensor may further include a plurality of second dummy patterns 126 disposed in the sensing unit 100 to overlap the electrode part 162. According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 is disposed to overlap the electrode part 162 in the first opening OP1 of each first electrode cell 122, and may be disposed to be separated from the first electrode cell 122 and the electrode part 162. For example, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_1) as the first electrode cells 122 that are the pattern of the floating island shape in a state of being separated from the first electrode cells 122. According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 may be formed of the same material as that of the first electrode unit 122, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the effective region 101 can be uniformly viewed all the time while reducing parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and/or the driving electrode 130.

Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 13A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 12 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 13B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 12 according to some example embodiments. Fig. 14 illustrates an example of a cross-section taken along section line IV-IV' in fig. 12, according to some example embodiments. In fig. 12 to 14, the construction elements similar to or the same as those in fig. 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or numerals, and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 12, 13A, 13B, and 14, each of the driving electrodes 130_3 may include at least one second opening OP2, and may be disposed in the first layer L1_ 2. For example, each of the second electrode cells 132_3 may include at least one second opening OP 2.

According to some embodiments, each second opening OP2 may have a similar shape and/or size as each first opening OP 1. For example, each of the second openings OP2 may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction (e.g., X direction) of each of the first openings OP 1. However, the shape and/or size of the second opening OP2 may be variously changed in consideration of the visual characteristics of the active area 101. Accordingly, the effective region 101 can be uniformly viewed all the time while reducing parasitic capacitance that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and/or the driving electrode 130_ 3.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 16A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 15 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 16B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 15 according to some example embodiments. Fig. 17A illustrates an example of a cross section taken along section line V-V 'of fig. 15, and fig. 17B illustrates an example of a cross section taken along section line VI-VI' of fig. 15, according to some example embodiments. In fig. 15, 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B, the structural elements similar to or the same as those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and the repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 15, 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B, each of the driving electrodes 130_4 may include a second opening OP2_1 corresponding to the first opening OP1 included in the sensing electrode 120. For example, each of the second electrode cells 132_4 may include a second opening OP2_1 having substantially the same size and shape as the first opening OP 1. In addition, the sensing unit 100 may further include a plurality of second dummy patterns 126 and a plurality of third dummy patterns 136. For example, each of the second dummy patterns 126 may be disposed in each of the first openings OP1, and each of the third dummy patterns 136 may be disposed in each of the second openings OP2_ 1.

According to some embodiments, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed to overlap the electrode part 162 in the first opening OP1 of each first electrode cell 122, and may be disposed to be separated from the first electrode cell 122 and the electrode part 162. For example, the second dummy pattern 126 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_3) as the first electrode cells 122 that are the pattern of the floating island shape in a state of being separated from the first electrode cells 122.

According to some embodiments, the third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed to overlap the first dummy pattern 166 in the second opening OP2_1 of each of the second electrode cells 132_4, and may be disposed to be separated from the second electrode cells 132_4 and the first dummy pattern 166. For example, the third dummy patterns 136 may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_3) as the second electrode unit 132_4 in a state of being separated from the second electrode unit 132_ 4. That is, the third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in an inner portion of the driving electrode 130_4 (e.g., an area surrounded by the driving electrode 130_ 4), and may be disposed in a pattern of a floating island shape in a state of being separated from the driving electrode 130_ 4. According to some embodiments, the third dummy pattern 136 may be formed of the same material as that of the first electrode unit 122 and/or the second electrode unit 132_4, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Therefore, by uniformly distributing the uniformly shaped pattern in the effective region 101, more uniform visual characteristics can be ensured throughout the entire effective region 101. However, parasitic capacitances that may be formed between the noise detection electrode 160, the sensing electrode 120, and/or the driving electrode 130_3 may be reduced.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 19A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 18 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 19B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 18 according to some example embodiments. In fig. 18, 19A, and 19B, the structural elements similar to or the same as those of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 18, 19A and 19B, the first layer L1_4 includes each first electrode cell 122_3 and each second electrode cell 132_5, each first electrode cell 122_3 includes a first opening OP1 in an area overlapping each electrode part 162, and each second electrode cell 132_5 includes a second opening OP2_2 in an area overlapping each first dummy pattern 166. Further, in some embodiments, the first electrode unit 122_3 may have a mesh-shaped pattern in an area overlapping the electrode part 162, and may overlap one area of the electrode part 162; the second electrode unit 132_5 may have a pattern of a mesh shape in an area overlapping the first dummy pattern 166, and may overlap one area of the first dummy pattern 166.

For example, each of the first electrode cells 122_3 may overlap one area of the electrode part 162 disposed in the first opening OP1, and may have a mesh-shaped fine line 122a crossing the first opening OP1 in at least two directions. Further, each of the second electrode cells 132_5 may overlap one region of the first dummy pattern 166 disposed in the second opening OP2_2, and may have a mesh-shaped fine line 132a crossing the second opening OP2_2 in at least two directions.

According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1 is formed in the sensing electrode 120_3 to minimize the overlap of the sensing electrode 120_3 and the noise detection electrode 160, and one area of the first electrode cell 122_3 (i.e., the fine line 122a) is disposed in a part of an area in which the electrode part 162 of the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed. Therefore, by providing uniform sensitivity throughout the entire effective region 101, the sensitivity of the touch sensor can be improved. Further, by uniformly distributing the pattern of a uniform shape in the effective region 101, more uniform visual characteristics can be ensured throughout the entire effective region 101.

Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 21A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 20 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 21B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 20 according to some example embodiments. In fig. 20, 21A, and 21B, the structural elements similar to or the same as those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 20, 21A, and 21B, each of the first electrode cells 122_1 and each of the second electrode cells 132_6 includes a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2_3, respectively. According to some embodiments, each electrode part 162 and one area of the connection lines 164_2 connected to the electrode part 162 may be disposed in each first opening OP1, and each third dummy pattern 136 may be disposed in each second opening OP2_ 3.

According to some embodiments, although the electrode part 162 of the noise detection electrode 160_2 may be disposed in the same layer as the first electrode cell 122_1 (e.g., disposed in the first layer L1_ 5), the electrode part 162 of the noise detection electrode 160_2 may be disposed separately from the first electrode cell 122_ 1. Further, according to some embodiments, by providing at least one insulating layer (e.g., the first insulating layer 170 described above) between the connection line 164_2 and the first electrode unit 122_1 in a region overlapping at least the first electrode unit 122_1, the connection line 164_2 may be provided in a different layer from the first electrode unit 122_ 1. For example, in a region overlapping at least the first electrode cell 122_1, the connection line 164_2 may be disposed in the second layer L2_1 separated from the first layer L1_5 by the first insulating layer 170.

Meanwhile, another area of the connection line 164_2 (e.g., at least a portion of an area overlapping each of the first openings OP 1) may be disposed in the same layer as the electrode parts 162 and may be integrally connected to any one of the electrode parts 162. For example, one region of each connection line 164_2 may overlap the first opening OP1 provided in any one of the first electrode units 122_1, and may be disposed in the same layer as the electrode part 162 provided in the first opening OP1 to be integrally connected to the electrode part 162. In this case, each of the connection lines 164_2 may include a first sub-connection line 164a disposed in the first layer L1_5 and a second sub-connection line 164b disposed in the second layer L2_ 1. The first and second

sub-connection lines

164a and 164b may be connected to each other through at least one contact hole (not shown).

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing cell illustrated in FIG. 4, according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 23A illustrates a first layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 22 according to some example embodiments, and fig. 23B illustrates a second layer of the sensing cell illustrated in fig. 22 according to some example embodiments. In fig. 22, 23A, and 23B, the structural elements similar to or the same as those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and repeated detailed description will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 22, 23A and 23B, the first electrode cell 122_4 of the sensing electrode 120_4 and the second electrode cell 132_7 of the driving electrode 130_7 have the same pattern of the mesh shapes as those of fig. 18, 19A and 19B, and the electrode part 162_2 and the third dummy pattern 136a may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the first layer L1_6) as the first electrode cell 122_4 and the second electrode cell 132_7, respectively, in the same manner as in fig. 20, 21A and 21B. That is, in fig. 22, 23A, and 23B, each of the first electrode cells 122_4 may have a plurality of fine wires 122a crossing the first opening OP1, and each of the second electrode cells 132_7 may have a plurality of fine wires 132a crossing the second opening OP2_ 4. In this case, each electrode portion 162_2 may be divided into a plurality of sub-electrode portions 162a and may be separated from the first electrode unit 122_ 4. As shown in fig. 23A and 23B, the sub-electrode portions 162a disposed in the same first opening OP1 may be electrically connected to each other through a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162B disposed in a different layer (such as the second layer L2_2) from the first electrode cell 122_ 4.

That is, each electrode portion 162_2 may include a plurality of sub-electrode portions 162a disposed to be separated from each other in regions between the fine lines 122a of the first electrode unit 122_4 and disposed in the same layer as the first electrode unit 122_4, and a plurality of sub-electrode lines 162b separated from the fine lines 122a of the first electrode unit 122_4 by disposing at least one insulating layer (e.g., a first insulating layer 170) between the sub-electrode lines 162b and the fine lines 122a of the first electrode unit 122_4 and electrically connecting the sub-electrode portions 162 a. According to some embodiments, the sub-electrode line 162b may be disposed in the same layer (e.g., the second layer L2_2) as the connection line 164 configuring the same noise detection electrode 160_3, and may be integrally connected to the connection line 164.

In the same manner as described above, the touch sensor according to various embodiments may include the noise detection electrode 160_3 disposed in the active area 101 of the sensing unit 100 to detect the noise signal Sno. In addition, the sensing unit 100 includes a first opening OP1 for reducing parasitic capacitance between the noise detection electrode 160_3, the sensing electrode 120_4, and/or the driving electrode 130_ 7. According to some embodiments, the sensing unit 100 may be implemented in various forms to ensure high touch sensitivity and/or uniform visual characteristics.

FIG. 24 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 24, the construction elements similar to or the same as those in fig. 4 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 24, in the touch sensor, the plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 share the third wiring 146. For example, the third wiring 146 may be commonly connected to one end of each noise detection electrode 160 at one side of the effective region 101. According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be commonly connected to the second input terminals IN2 of the plurality of sensing channels 222 through the third wiring 146. In this case, the noise detection electrode 160 may be integrated into one electrode, and thus, the noise detection electrode 160 may be regarded as an integrated electrode. Although fig. 24 shows that all the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the effective region 101 share the third wiring 146, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the noise detection electrode 160 may share the third wiring 146.

According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the active area 101 are commonly connected to the same third wiring 146 to be electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the entire noise signal Sno can be detected at once. According to some embodiments, the number of wirings provided inside the sensing unit 100_1 may be reduced. Therefore, the noise reduction structure of fig. 24 can be applied to a narrow bezel type touch sensor.

IN addition, the touch sensor of fig. 24 may further include an amplification circuit 230 connected between the second input terminal IN2 of the sensing channel 222 and the noise detection electrode 160. According to some embodiments, the amplification circuit 230 may include at least a second amplifier AMP 2. According to some embodiments, the second amplifier AMP2 may include a fifth input terminal IN5 commonly connected to the noise detection electrode 160 through the third wiring 146 and a sixth input terminal IN6 connected to the output terminal OUT3 through at least one resistor Ra. According to some embodiments, the fifth input terminal IN5 and the sixth input terminal IN6 may be an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal, respectively, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Resistors Ra and Rb in fig. 24 represent the input impedance and the output impedance, respectively, of the second amplifier AMP2, according to some embodiments.

The amplifying circuit 230 may receive the noise signal Sno from the noise detection electrode 160 through the third wiring 146, amplify the noise signal Sno to a magnitude corresponding to the gain value of the second amplifier AMP2, and output the amplified noise signal Sno2 to the sensing channel 222. At this time, the magnitude of the amplified noise signal Sno2 input to the sense channel 222 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the gain value of the amplification circuit 230. Specifically, according to some embodiments, the gain value of amplification circuit 230 may be adjusted such that the noise component contained in sense signal Sse1 output from sense electrode 120 may be effectively cancelled in sense channel 222.

FIG. 25 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 25, the construction elements similar to or the same as those previously described, for example, in connection with fig. 4 and 24 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 25, the amplifying circuit 230_1 may further include a plurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 connected in series to each other between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power source (e.g., GND). For example, the amplifying circuit 230_1 may include resistors (e.g., resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4) corresponding in number to the number of the sensing channels 222.

According to some embodiments, the sense channels 222 may be respectively connected to different ones of nodes (e.g., nodes N1, N2, N3, and N4) between the second amplifier AMP2 and the reference power source GND. According to some embodiments, the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be variable resistors whose resistance values may be adjusted, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, each of the resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 may also have a predetermined fixed resistance value.

According to some embodiments, the gain value of noise signal Sno3 input to sense channel 222 receiving sense signal Sse1 from each sense electrode 120 may be applied differently depending on the position of sense electrode 120. For example, if the magnitude of the noise signal Sno input to the sensing cell 100_2 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active area 101, the gain value of the noise signal Sno3 may gradually decrease from the first sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 in the first row to the last sensing channel 222 receiving the sensing signal Sse1 from the sensing electrode 120 in the last row.

According to some embodiments, after measuring the noise signal Sno according to the location of the sensing cell 100_2, the gain value (or amount of attenuation) of the noise signal Sno3 applied to each sensing channel 222 can be individually adjusted corresponding to the magnitude of the measured noise signal Sno. In some embodiments, the noise signal Sno of the sensing cell 100_2 may be commonly detected by connecting the plurality of noise detection electrodes 160 to the third wiring 146, and the gain value of the noise signal Sno3 may be adjusted differently for each sensing channel 222 using the amplification circuit 230_ 1. Therefore, not only the number of wirings provided in the sense cell 100_2 can be reduced, but also the noise signal Sno in each sense channel 222 can be effectively eliminated.

FIG. 26 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 26, the construction elements similar to or the same as those previously described, for example, in connection with fig. 4, 24, and 25 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 26, the touch sensor may have noise detection electrodes 160 distributed only in one side edge region of the effective region 101_1 of the sensing unit 100_3 (or distributed only on one side edge region of the effective region 101_1 of the sensing unit 100_ 3). For example, the noise detection electrode 160 may be disposed only inside the first electrode cell 122_5 and in a left edge of the first electrode cell 122_5 configuring each sensing electrode 120_ 5.

For example, only one first electrode cell 122_5 disposed in one end (e.g., a left edge) of the first electrode cell 122_5 constituting each sensing electrode 120_5 may include the first opening OP 1. Each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may be configured by one electrode portion disposed inside the first opening OP1 disposed in one end of any one of the sensing electrodes 120_ 5. According to some embodiments, the noise detection electrode 160 disposed in the sensing cell 100_3 may be formed as an integrated electrode by being commonly connected to one third wiring 146.

Accordingly, the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed only on one side edge region of the sensing cell 100_3, and thus, it is possible to provide a touch sensor that is more strongly resistant to damage such as cracks due to bending, compared to a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrode 160 is disposed in the entire sensing cell (e.g., the sensing cell 100). Further, according to some embodiments, the generation of parasitic capacitance caused by the noise detection electrode 160 and the peripheral electrodes (e.g., the sensing electrode 120_5 and the driving electrode 130) can be minimized (or at least reduced), and the noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user can be minimized (or at least reduced noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user).

FIG. 27 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 27, the construction elements similar to or the same as those previously described, for example, in connection with fig. 4 and fig. 24 to 26 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 27, the touch sensor may further include a third wiring 146 commonly connected to one end of each noise detection electrode 160 and a fourth wiring 148 commonly connected to the other end of each noise detection electrode 160. For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected in a first direction (e.g., X direction) by the connection lines 164 located inside the effective region 101_2 of the sensing unit 100_4 and in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) by the third and

fourth wirings

146 and 148 located outside the effective region 101_2, thereby being formed as integrated electrodes. Meanwhile, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrode 160 is not particularly limited and may be variously modified.

FIG. 28 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 28, the construction elements similar to or the same as those previously described, for example, in connection with fig. 4 and fig. 24 to 27 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 28, the touch sensor may have noise detection electrodes 160 distributed only in both side edge regions of the effective region 101_3 of the sensing unit 100_ 5. For example, the noise detection electrode 160 may be disposed only in the inner portions of the two first electrode cells 122_6 (such as in different ends of the first electrode cell 122_6 configuring each sensing electrode 120_ 6).

For example, in the first electrode cell 122_6 configuring each sensing electrode 120_6, either or both of the first electrode cell 122_6 disposed in the left edge and the first electrode cell 122_6 disposed in the right edge may include the first opening OP1, and the other first electrode cells 122_6 may not be provided with the first opening OP 1. Each of the noise detection electrodes 160 may be configured by one electrode portion disposed inside the first opening OP1 disposed in one end of any one of the sensing electrodes 120_ 6. In some embodiments, the noise detection electrodes 160 disposed in the sensing cell 100_5 may be electrically connected to each other through the third and

fourth wirings

146 and 148 to form an integrated electrode. In this case, the integrated electrode may be configured as a plurality of electrode portions disposed inside each of the first openings OP1 provided in both ends of each of the sensing electrodes 120_ 6. According to some embodiments, the third wiring 146 and the fourth wiring 148 may be commonly connected to the fifth input terminal IN5 of the amplifying circuit 230_ 1.

Accordingly, the noise detection electrodes 160 are disposed only in a partial region of the effective region 101_3 (particularly, a partial edge region of the sensing cell 100_ 5), and thus, it is possible to provide a touch sensor that is more strongly resistant to damage such as cracks due to bending, as compared to a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrodes 160 are dispersedly disposed in the entire sensing cell (such as the sensing cell 100). Further, by providing the noise detection electrodes 160 on both sides of the sensing cell 100_5, the noise signal Sno can be more effectively detected, as compared to a touch sensor in which the noise detection electrodes 160 are provided only in one side of the sensing cell (such as the sensing cell 100_ 3). Further, generation of parasitic capacitance caused by the noise detection electrode 160 and the peripheral electrodes (e.g., the sensing electrode 120_6 and the driving electrode 130) can be minimized (or at least reduced), and the noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user can be minimized (or at least reduced noise detection electrode 160 visible to the user).

Fig. 29 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 29, the construction elements similar to or the same as those previously described, for example, in connection with fig. 4 and fig. 24 to 28 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 29, the touch sensor further includes cross-connection wirings 168 connecting the noise detection electrodes 160 to each other in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) inside the effective area 101_4 of the sensing unit 100_ 6. For example, in the touch sensor, the noise detection electrodes 160 are connected in a first direction (for example, X direction) by the connection lines 164 located inside the effective region 101_4, and are connected in a second direction crossing the first direction by at least one cross-connection wiring 168. For example, the noise detection electrodes 160 may be connected in a mesh shape inside the effective area 101_4 to form an integrated single electrode. That is, the wiring structure of the noise detection electrode 160 is not particularly limited, and may be variously modified.

Fig. 30 illustrates an embodiment relating to the sensing unit illustrated in fig. 29, according to some exemplary embodiments. In fig. 30, the construction elements similar to or the same as those described previously are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 30, each of the first openings OP1_1 may overlap any one of the electrode portions 162 configuring the noise detection electrode 160, and may also overlap one region of the connection line 164 connecting any one of the electrode portions 162 and one region of the cross-connection wiring 168 connecting any one of the electrode portions 162. That is, in some embodiments, a partial region of the first electrode cell 122_7 of the sensing electrode 120_7 may be additionally opened corresponding to a region where the cross-connection wiring 168 is disposed. For example, one region of each of the first electrode units 122_7 may be opened in the first and second directions around the electrode part 162 corresponding thereto. In this case, each of the first openings OP1_1 may have a cross shape around the electrode portion 162.

Accordingly, the overlapping area between the sensing electrode 120_7, the noise detection electrode 160, and/or the cross-connection wiring 168 can be reduced or minimized. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce parasitic capacitance that may be generated in the sensing cell 100_6 or minimize parasitic capacitance that may be generated in the sensing cell 100_ 6.

Fig. 31 illustrates a touch sensor according to some example embodiments. In fig. 31, the construction elements similar to or the same as those described previously, for example, in connection with fig. 24 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 31, the sensing unit 100_1 may have a structure (such as the structure described in conjunction with fig. 24) to which at least one of the previously described embodiments is applied. However, the embodiment of the structure of the sensing unit 100_1 of fig. 31 is not limited thereto. For example, in a range where the sensing unit 100_1 includes the sensing electrode 120 and at least one noise detection electrode 160 corresponding to the sensing electrode 120, the structure of the sensing unit 100_1 may be variously changed. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the sensing electrode 120 may overlap the electrode part 162 of the noise detection electrode 160 and may not include the first opening OP1 corresponding to the noise detection electrode 160.

In some embodiments, the amplifying circuit 230_2 may further include a plurality of variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 connected in parallel between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and a predetermined reference power source (e.g., GND). For example, the amplifying circuit 230_2 may include variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 in a number corresponding to the number of the sensing channels 222.

According to some embodiments, the sense channel 222 may be connected to different ones of the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 disposed in the amplification circuit 230_ 2. For example, the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a may be connected to the first variable resistor VR1, and the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222b may be connected to the second variable resistor VR 2. Further, the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c may be connected to the third variable resistor VR3, and the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222d may be connected to the fourth variable resistor VR 4.

Accordingly, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the second input terminal (e.g., one of the second input terminals IN21 through IN 24) of one corresponding sense channel (e.g., one of the sense channels 222a through 222 d) can be independently adjusted according to the magnitude of the noise component included IN the sense signal Sse1 input to each sense channel (e.g., one of the sense channels 222a through 222 d). For example, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the sensing channels 222 a-222 d connected to each sensing electrode 120 can be differently applied according to the position of the sensing electrode 120. For example, if the magnitude of the noise signal Sno detected via the sensing cell 100_1 gradually decreases from the first row to the last row of the active area 101, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 may gradually decrease from the first sensing channel 222a connected to the sensing electrode 120 of the first row to the fourth sensing channel 222d connected to the sensing electrode 120 of the last row. Accordingly, the gain value can be independently adjusted according to the vertical position (e.g., Y-coordinate) of sensing electrode 120 in sensing unit 100_1 to more effectively cancel the noise component included in sensing signal Sse 1.

Further, according to some embodiments, during the period in which the driving electrodes 130 are sequentially driven, the resistance values of the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 may be adjusted in units of sub-periods in which each driving electrode 130 is driven, and thus, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 may be independently adjusted in units of sub-periods. Accordingly, it is also possible to compensate for a magnitude deviation of noise that may be caused by a lateral position (e.g., X-coordinate) of the sensing unit 100_ 1. For example, it is also possible to compensate for a size deviation of noise due to a lateral deviation of the impedance of the common electrode or the cathode electrode of the display panel 300. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the noise component included in the sense signal Sse1 can be eliminated more accurately and more effectively.

Referring to fig. 32, during a period Pe in which the driving electrodes 130 are sequentially driven, the resistance values of the variable resistors VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4 may be adjusted in units of sub-periods SP1, SP2, and SP3 in which each driving electrode 130 is driven. IN this way, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 input to the second input terminals IN21 to IN24 of the sense channels 222a to 222d may be independently adjusted for each of the sub-periods SP1, SP2, and SP 3. For convenience, a method of adjusting the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 will be described below under the assumption that three drive electrodes 130 are provided in the sensing cell 100_1 of fig. 31, according to some embodiments.

First, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the first driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx 1 electrode") disposed in the first column of the sensing unit 100_1 during the first sub-period SP 1. During the first sub-period SP1, the first Gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the eleventh Gain G11, the second Gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-first Gain G21, the third Gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-first Gain G31, and the fourth Gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-first Gain G41. Then, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twenty-first gain G21 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b. Further, during the first sub-period SP1, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirty-first gain G31 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the forty-first gain G41 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. As such, the eleventh to forty-first gains G11 to G41 are set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 can be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the first sub-period SP 1.

Next, during a second sub-period SP2 after the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the second driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx 2 electrode") disposed in the second column of the sensing cell 100_ 1. During the second sub-period SP2, the first Gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the twelfth Gain G12, the second Gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-second Gain G22, the third Gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-second Gain G32, and the fourth Gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-second Gain G42. Then, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twenty-second gain G22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b. Further, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirty-second gain G32 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the forty-second gain G42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. As such, the twelfth to forty-second gains G12 to G42 may be set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 may be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the second sub-period SP 2.

Next, during a third sub-period SP3 after the second sub-period SP2, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the third driving electrode 130 (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx 3 electrode") disposed in the third column of the sensing unit 100_ 1. During the third sub-period SP3, the first Gain value Gain1 according to the first variable resistor VR1 may be set to the thirteenth Gain G13, the second Gain value Gain2 according to the second variable resistor VR2 may be set to the twenty-third Gain G23, the third Gain value Gain3 according to the third variable resistor VR3 may be set to the thirty-third Gain G33, and the fourth Gain value Gain4 according to the fourth variable resistor VR4 may be set to the forty-third Gain G43. Then, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twenty-third gain G23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b. Further, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirty-third gain G33 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the forty-third gain G43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. As such, the thirteenth to forty-third gains G13 to G43 may be set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 may be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the third sub-period SP 3.

According to some embodiments, the Tx1 electrode can be driven repeatedly and sequentially to the Tx3 electrode in the manner previously described. According to some embodiments, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 may be applied differently depending on each location (e.g., two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_ 1. Therefore, the noise component contained in sense signal Sse1 can be eliminated more effectively.

Fig. 33 illustrates an embodiment of the amplification circuit illustrated in fig. 31, according to some example embodiments. In fig. 33, the structural elements similar to or the same as those of the amplifying circuit of fig. 31 are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals or signs, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 33, the amplifying circuit 230_3 includes: a second amplifier AMP2 connected to the noise detection electrode 160 through the third wiring 146; a plurality of resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 connected in parallel to the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP 2; and a first switching unit 232 connected between the second amplifier AMP2 and the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR 3.

According to some embodiments, the first switching unit 232 includes a plurality of switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and respective resistor groups GR1, GR2 and GR 3. For example, the first switching unit 232 may include: a first switch SW1 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the first resistor group GR 1; a second switch SW2 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the second resistor group GR 2; and a third switch SW3 connected between the output terminal OUT3 of the second amplifier AMP2 and the third resistor group GR 3.

According to some embodiments, each of the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 may include a plurality of resistors VR11, VR21, VR31, VR41, VR12, VR22, VR32, VR42, VR13, VR23, VR33, and VR43 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "VR 11 to VR 43") connected to different ones of the sense channels 222a to 222d and connected in parallel with each other. For example, the first resistor group GR1 may include: an eleventh resistor VR11 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222 a; a twenty-first resistor VR21 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b; a thirty-first resistor VR31 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222 c; and a forty-first resistor VR41 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. The second resistor group GR2 may include: a twelfth resistor VR12 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222 a; a twenty-second resistor VR22 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b; a thirty-second resistor VR32 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222 c; and a forty-second resistor VR42 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. The third resistor group GR3 may include: a thirteenth resistor VR13 connected to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222 a; a twenty-third resistor VR23 connected to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b; a thirty-third resistor VR33 connected to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222 c; and a forty-third resistor VR43 connected to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d.

According to some embodiments, each of the resistors VR11 to VR43 included in the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR3 may be configured as a variable resistor, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in at least one other embodiment, the resistors VR 11-VR 43 may have fixed resistance values.

Further, according to some embodiments, the amplifying circuit 230_3 further includes a second switching unit 234 connected between each of the sensing channels 222a to 222d and the resistor groups GR1, GR2, and GR 3. According to some embodiments, the second switching unit 234 includes: an eleventh switch SW11 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a and the eleventh resistor VR 11; a twelfth switch SW12 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a and the twelfth resistor VR 12; a thirteenth switch SW13 connected between the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a and the thirteenth resistor VR 13; a twenty-first switch SW21 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222b and the twenty-first resistor VR 21; a twenty-second switch SW22 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222b and a twenty-second resistor VR 22; a twentieth switch SW23 connected between the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222b and the twenty-third resistor VR 23. Further, the second switching unit 234 includes: a thirty-first switch SW31 connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c and a thirty-first resistor VR 31; a thirty-second switch SW32 connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c and a thirty-second resistor VR 32; a thirty-third switch SW33 connected between the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c and a thirty-third resistor VR 33; a forty-first switch SW41 connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222d and a forty-first resistor VR 41; a forty-second switch SW42 connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222d and a forty-second resistor VR 42; and a forty-third switch SW43 connected between the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222d and the forty-third resistor VR 43.

Thus, the gain value of the noise signal Sno may be set independently according to each position (e.g., two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_ 1. In this way, the noise component contained in sensing signal Sse1 can be eliminated more effectively.

Fig. 34 illustrates an embodiment of a method for adjusting a gain value of a noise signal using the amplification circuit illustrated in fig. 33, according to some example embodiments. For convenience of illustration and description, the method will be described in conjunction with the configuration of the sensing unit 100_1 of fig. 31.

Referring to fig. 34, during the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx1 electrode disposed in the first column of the sensing unit 100_ 1. During the first sub-period SP1, the first switch SW1 connected to the first resistor group GR1 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. Further, during the first sub-period SP1, the eleventh switch SW11, the twenty-first switch SW21, the thirty-first switch SW31, and the forty-first switch SW41 connected to the first resistor group GR1 among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switching unit 234 are turned on. Thus, the sensing channels 222 a-222 d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the first resistor group GR 1.

During the first sub-period SP1, the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the eleventh gain G11 according to the eleventh resistor VR11, and the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222b receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to a degree corresponding to the twenty-first gain G21 according to the twenty-first resistor VR 21. Further, during the first sub-period SP1, the second input terminal IN23 of the third sensing channel 222c receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the thirty-first gain G31 according to the thirty-first resistor VR31, and the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sensing channel 222d receives the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the extent corresponding to the forty-first gain G41 according to the forty-first resistor VR 41. At this time, the eleventh to forty-first gains G11 to G41 may be set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 may be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the first sub-period SP 1.

Next, during a second sub-period SP2 after the first sub-period SP1, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx2 electrode disposed in the second column of the sensing cell 100_ 1. During the second sub-period SP2, the second switch SW2 connected to the second resistor group GR2 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. Further, during the second sub-period SP2, the twelfth switch SW12, the twenty-second switch SW22, the thirty-second switch SW32, and the forty-second switch SW42 connected to the second resistor group GR2 among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switching unit 234 are turned on. Thus, the sensing channels 222 a-222 d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the second resistor group GR 2.

During the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twelfth gain G12 according to the twelfth resistor VR12 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twenty-second gain G22 according to the twenty-second resistor VR22 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b. Further, during the second sub-period SP2, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirty-second gain G32 according to the thirty-second resistor VR32 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the forty-second gain G42 according to the forty-second resistor VR42 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. As such, the twelfth to forty-second gains G12 to G42 may be set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 may be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the second sub-period SP 2.

Next, during a third sub-period SP3 after the second sub-period SP2, the driving signal Sdr may be supplied to the Tx3 electrode disposed in the third column of the sensing unit 100. During the third sub-period SP3, the third switch SW3 connected to the third resistor group GR3 among the switches SW1 to SW3 provided in the first switching unit 232 is turned on. Further, during the third sub-period SP3, the thirteenth, twentieth, thirty, and forty switches SW13, SW23, SW33, and SW43 connected to the third resistor group GR3, among the switches SW11 to SW43 provided in the second switch unit 234, are turned on. Accordingly, the sensing channels 222 a-222 d receive the noise signal Sno4 through the third resistor group GR 3.

During the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirteenth gain G13 according to the thirteenth resistor VR13 is input to the second input terminal IN21 of the first sense channel 222a, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the twenty-third gain G23 according to the twenty-third resistor VR23 is input to the second input terminal IN22 of the second sense channel 222 b. Further, during the third sub-period SP3, the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the thirty-third gain G33 according to the thirty-third resistor VR33 is input to the second input terminal IN23 of the third sense channel 222c, and the noise signal Sno4 amplified to the degree corresponding to the forty-third gain G43 according to the forty-third resistor VR43 is input to the second input terminal IN24 of the fourth sense channel 222 d. As such, the thirteenth to forty-third gains G13 to G43 may be set to values through which noise components contained in the sensing signal Sse1 may be effectively eliminated in the respective sensing channels 222a to 222d during the third sub-period SP 3.

As the Tx1 electrodes to the Tx3 electrodes are repeatedly and sequentially driven in the manner described above, a noise signal Sno4 may be supplied to each sense channel 222 a-222 d. According to some embodiments, the gain value of the noise signal Sno4 is independently set according to each position (e.g., two-dimensional XY coordinates) of the sensing unit 100_1, so that the noise component included in the sensing signal Sse1 can be more effectively eliminated.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. The inventive concept is therefore not limited to such embodiments, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims set forth below as well as various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising:

a first electrode including a plurality of first electrode cells arranged in a first direction and each including at least one first opening, and at least one first connection part connecting the plurality of first electrode cells in the first direction;

a second electrode including a plurality of electrode portions disposed inside the first opening of each of the first electrode units and at least one connection pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in the first direction, the plurality of electrode portions being arranged on the same layer as the first electrode units and separated from the first electrode;

a sense channel comprising a first terminal connected to the first electrode and a second terminal connected to the second electrode;

a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode and including at least one second opening; and

a fourth electrode disposed inside the second opening and separated from the third electrode,

wherein the at least one first opening has a closed loop shape in each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein: each of the at least one first opening overlaps with any one of the plurality of electrode parts and at least one region of the connection pattern connected to the any one electrode part.

3. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein:

one region of the connection pattern overlapping at least one of the plurality of first electrode cells is disposed in a different layer from the first electrode cell with an insulating layer interposed therebetween.

4. The touch sensor of claim 3, wherein:

another region of the connection pattern is arranged within the first opening provided with any one of the electrode parts; and is

The other region is integrally connected to the any one electrode portion.

5. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein:

each of the first electrode cells includes a plurality of fine lines crossing the first openings; and is

The second electrode includes: a plurality of sub-electrode portions provided in regions between the fine wires and separated from each other, constituting each of the plurality of electrode portions; and a plurality of sub-electrode portions disposed in a layer separated from the sub-electrode portions with an insulating layer interposed therebetween and electrically connecting the sub-electrode portions to each other.

6. The touch sensor of claim 1, further comprising:

a driving circuit supplying a driving signal to the third electrode.

7. The touch sensor of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes including the first electrode;

a plurality of second electrodes including the second electrode;

a plurality of sensing channels including the sensing channel; and

a processor receiving an output signal of the sensing channel; and detecting a touch input based on the output signal,

wherein:

a first terminal of each of the plurality of sensing channels is connected to a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes that is different from each other;

a second terminal of each of the plurality of sense channels is connected to at least one of the plurality of second electrodes; and is

Each of the plurality of sense channels generates an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The touch sensor of claim 7, wherein the second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

9. The touch sensor of claim 8, further comprising:

at least one wiring commonly connected to one end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

10. The touch sensor of claim 9, further comprising:

at least one other wiring commonly connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second electrodes.

11. The touch sensor of claim 7, wherein:

each of the plurality of first electrodes includes: a plurality of first electrode cells, each of the plurality of first electrode cells including at least one first opening; and at least one first connecting portion connecting the first electrode cells in the first direction;

each of the plurality of second electrodes includes: a plurality of electrode portions disposed inside first openings of the first electrode unit included in any one of the plurality of first electrodes; and at least one connection pattern connecting the electrode parts in the first direction; and is

The touch sensor further includes: and at least one cross-connection wiring extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the cross-connection wiring crossing the second electrodes and connecting the second electrodes to each other.

12. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein each of the at least one first opening overlaps with any one of the electrode parts, and also overlaps with one region of the connection pattern connected to the any one electrode part and one region of the cross-connection wiring.

13. The touch sensor of claim 7, further comprising:

an amplification circuit connected between the plurality of second electrodes and the second terminals of the plurality of sense channels,

wherein the amplifying circuit includes an amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes.

14. The touch sensor of claim 13, wherein:

the amplifying circuit further includes a plurality of resistors connected in series with each other between an output terminal of the amplifier and a reference power supply; and is

The plurality of sense channels are connected to different nodes from each other among nodes between the output terminal of the amplifier and the reference power supply.

15. The touch sensor of claim 13, wherein:

the amplifying circuit further includes a plurality of variable resistors connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier; and is

The plurality of sensing channels are connected to variable resistors different from each other among the plurality of variable resistors.

16. The touch sensor of claim 13, wherein the amplification circuit further comprises:

a plurality of resistor groups connected in parallel to an output terminal of the amplifier; and

a first switching unit including a plurality of switches connected between the output terminal of the amplifier and each of the plurality of resistor groups.

17. The touch sensor of claim 16, wherein:

each of the plurality of resistor groups includes a plurality of resistors connected to different ones of the plurality of sense channels; and is

The plurality of resistors are connected in parallel with each other.

18. The touch sensor of claim 17, wherein the amplification circuit further comprises a second switching unit comprising a plurality of switches connected between each of the plurality of sense channels and the plurality of resistor groups.

19. A display device, the display device comprising:

a display panel including a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged; and

a touch sensor including an active area overlapping the display area,

wherein the touch sensor includes: a plurality of first electrodes each including a plurality of first electrode cells arranged in a first direction in the active area and each including at least one first opening, and at least one first connection portion connecting the plurality of first electrode cells in the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes each including a plurality of electrode portions disposed inside the first opening of any one of the first electrodes and separated from the first electrode, and at least one connection pattern connecting the plurality of electrode portions in the first direction; a third electrode separated from the first electrode and the second electrode and including at least one second opening; a fourth electrode disposed inside the second opening and separated from the third electrode; a plurality of sense channels, each sense channel including a first terminal connected to any one of the first electrodes and a second terminal connected to at least one of the second electrodes, each sense channel producing an output signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a processor receiving an output signal of the sensing channel and detecting a touch input based on the output signal, an

20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the touch sensor further comprises:

a driving circuit sequentially supplying a driving signal to the plurality of third electrodes.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

22. The display device according to claim 21, further comprising:

an amplification circuit commonly connected between the plurality of second electrodes and second terminals of the plurality of sense channels,

23. The display device according to claim 22, wherein:

The sensing channel is connected to variable resistors different from each other among the plurality of variable resistors.

24. The display device according to claim 19, wherein:

the display panel includes: a first substrate; a light emitting element disposed on one surface of the first substrate; and a thin film sealing layer provided on the light emitting element and covering at least the light emitting element; and is

The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the thin film sealing layer.